Honours Research Student opportunity with Dolphin Research Australia in affiliation with Southern Cross University Dolphin Research Australia in affiliation with Southern Cross University Marine Ecology Research Centre is currently seeking applications from highly qualified candidates for BSc Honours 2016 (mid-year intake). For the right candidate, a Masters by research (MSc ) may also be a possibility. The student will be supervised by Dr Liz Hawkins (Dolphin Research Australia) and Professor Peter Harrison (SCU). Project The project will assess the sympatric associations between two coastal dolphin species; Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) and Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis), in the Moreton Bay Marine Park, Queensland. The project will assess three years of data collected as part of the Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Project. The student will assess the ecological relationships between species occurrence and environmental parameters using spatial and statistical analysis techniques. Essential Requirements - Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent - Experience in field work and processing ecological data - Proficiency in GIS software and experience in spatial analysis - Skills in statistical analysis and interpretation - Familiarity with Microsoft programs and statistical packages (Program R is an advantage) - Demonstrated excellence in written communication skills - Good verbal communication and proficiency in English - Work well within a team environment and independently - Ability to take initiative - Excellent time management skills and ability to work to a deadline Desirable Qualifications - Current First Aid Certification - Deckhand Certification - Experience in working on boats - Photographic experience Availability Although the enrolment for the research project commences mid-year, the candidate would ultimately be available to participate and assist in the collection of data during the 2016 field expeditions from May to July. The candidate will ultimately be available from 20th May to 27th May then for 3 days per week (at a minimum) for all other Dolphin Research Australia expedition dates (please see link to our website for all expedition dates http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com/dolphin-sighting-network/dolphin-exp editions/). The field work component of the project will be based at the Moreton Bay Research Station on North Stradbroke Island and Brisbane, Queensland. As such, this project is most suited to those based in this region. Cost As a not-for-profit organisation, Dolphin Research Australia Inc. relies on the assistance of grants, donations and sponsors (including our eco-volunteers) to undertake our projects. The cost of the project is partly supported and subsidised by Dolphin Research Australia Inc., however, additional costs are required for transport and accommodation. These costs will be $2,200 (AUD). This cost includes ferry transport to North Stradbroke Island, accommodation and food during expeditions in 2016. Please note that outside the field dates, no accommodation, food or transport expenses will be covered. The project will be based in South East Queensland adjacent to Brisbane and students will be expected to organise their own living arrangements outside the field work dates. Application Process Please send your expressions of interest containing the following: 1. A covering letter outlining your relevant experience and the project of interest. 2. Curriculum Vitae 3. Current academic transcript 4. Two relevant referees For further information about the project and to download an information package about our 2016 expeditions please go to the Dolphin Research Australia website www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com Applications will be considered on a competitive basis and as such ensure your application addresses the listed requirements. Please submit your applications by 10th May 2016 5pm AEST to info(at)dolphinresearchaustralia.com. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding this opportunity. Kind Regards Liz Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD Executive Officer Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. PO Box 1960 Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 E-mail: liz@dolphinresearchaustralia.com Website: www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com/> ABN: 42095866467 ** Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is a not-for-profit marine conservation, education & research charity -find out more about us & how you can help at www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com **